Manama:The Kingdom of Bahrain's Parliamentary Division delegation, led by Jamal Mohammed Fakhro, First Deputy Chairman of the Shura Council, participated in a coordination meeting with the parliaments and legislative councils of Gulf Cooperation Council countries. The purpose of the meeting was to coordinate and prepare for the 153rd General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), scheduled to take place in Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania, from October 5 to 9.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the meeting was chaired by Khalid bin Hilal Al Maawali, Chairman of the Shura Council of the Sultanate of Oman, and included participation from Dr. Hamda bint Hassan Al Sulaiti, Deputy Speaker of the Shura Council of the State of Qatar and representative of the Arab Group on the IPU Executive Committee.
The delegates discussed agenda items for the 153rd General Assembly and agreed on nominations for the IPU presidency and vacant committee positions available to the Arab Group. The meeting also aimed to coordinate Gulf parliamentary positions and develop unified stances on issues discussed at the Assembly, thereby enhancing the role of Gulf parliaments in supporting common interests at international forums.
Additionally, the meeting reviewed a proposed emergency agenda item from the Bahrain Parliamentary Division, which emphasizes ensuring freedom of navigation, maritime security, and the uninterrupted flow of international trade through maritime routes and straits, adhering to international law. This issue is seen as crucial for global security and the economy.
The 153rd IPU General Assembly will feature the election of a new IPU President, consideration of requests for emergency agenda items, discussion of current issues, and meetings of standing committees and specialized parliamentary workshops.